The Lost Princess

Chapter 3

The clops of the horse hooves grew louder as they transited from dirt and mud to cobblestone. They had finally made it to the capital and Chloe looked in awe out of the window of the carriage. There was easily over a hundred wood and stone homes as well as plenty of shops with a huge castle in the centre of it all and a massive stone wall keeping it all contained.

"Welcome home Chloe." He said as the carriage passed through a huge gate at the front of the castle that was guarded by a pair of soldiers that we not too different to Zak apart from their hair colour being browns and black rather than his bright blonde hair.

The carriage came to a stop in the middle of the courtyard and Zak opened the door, offering his hand to her to help her down off the carriage. She looked around in amazement at the size and beauty of the castle, but Zak placed his hand on her shoulder to snap her senses back.

"You'll have all the time in the world to look around later. Let's go see the Queen first. We don't want to leave her waiting." He suggested as they made their way to the throne room.

Sat at the far end of the throne room, on said throne was a small, rather old looking woman. Chloe would have to guess her age at around 40 to 50 years old, older than what she expected. Zak bowed before her. He then presented Chloe to her and she held her hand up to signal him to rise up from his knee.

"Chloe, may you come over here." She asked as Chloe looked nervously at the older woman, but obliged. As soon as she was standing in front of the Queen, she turned Chloe's wrist to look at her birth mark which was rather puzzled Chloe who didn't know how she knew she had a birth mark on her right wrist? She slowly got up and smiled before hugging Chloe.

"Welcome home my dear Chloe." She said sounding really delighted. Zak was grinning from ear to ear as Chloe felt weird. She didn't really know how to feel, what to do or what to say. She just stood there and gazed off into the distance. The Queen sat back down on her chair and looked over to Zak.

"Zak, you are here by promoted to the princess's personal guard. Be by her side and protect her. We don't want to lose her again." She said before he bowed on one knee again and swore to never leave her side. Once they were dismissed by her, Zak gave Chloe a tour of the castle and its many rooms finishing with her room which was cozy. It had wooden flooring, stone walls and a golden chandelier as well as plenty of candles. She had a balcony, a huge bed and all of the furniture she could ever need.

"You have plenty of people who are willing to help you if you ever need any. We have cooks, maids, tailors and myself of course." He explained as he stood by her doorway.

"I am alright for now, thanks." She said as she looked around the room before sitting down on her bed, "It's just going to take a while to adjust to this new lifestyle, world, everything really."

"Well, if you ever need anyone to talk to, I am here for you." He said walking towards her and placing his hand on hers which made her blush.

"Thanks." She stuttered out and then took a deep breath.

"Also, the tailors are looking to make you a dress for a ball the Queen is planning to hold at the castle to celebrate your return. They are wondering what colour you'd like it to be." He asked as he made his way back to her bedroom door, but stopped as Chloe pondered the question.

"Hmm. Blue please." She answered carefully with a smile on her face.

"Ok. I'll let them know. Good night, princess." He said as he closed the door behind him, leaving Chloe alone with her thoughts. She couldn't believe how much her life had been flipped on its head and she thought it could be time for a new her as she wasn't that popular where she had come from. It was a new world, so time for a new her.